NETWORK-Commissioned Survey Finds Undecided Voters Concerned About the Economy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 28, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Catholic voters who remained undecided and uncommitted close to the midterm elections have reliably shown up to vote even as their voting habits are unpredictable, a new study released today finds. The study, commissioned by NETWORK, “Undecided, Uncommitted Catholic Voters: Reliable and Politically Unanchored” found that in the past three presidential elections, only four percent of those surveyed did not vote at all, making them a very reliable community. In addition, looking at the aggregate of those surveyed, nearly three quarters voted for Barack Obama and Donald Trump in the past, making them swing voters in the truest sense.
As the midterm elections approach, these swing voters are weighing pocketbook issues, such as cost of living and economic hardship, health care, and issues affecting older adults, most heavily.
“The data shows us that undecided Catholic voters are informed by faith and also moved by the kitchen table issues impacting all of us, and they are open to solutions from both parties. Undecided Catholic voters care deeply about the issues that are at the heart of Catholic Social Teaching – feeding our families, caring for our loved ones, decent jobs with fair wages, affordable housing and health care,” said NETWORK Executive Director Laurie Carafone. “As an organization working for the common good, hearing from voters helps us make the connections between voter concerns, Catholic teaching, and the policy solutions that can work for a better future for all.”
The study found that cost of living/economic hardship is the top issue influencing the voting decisions of the sampled Catholics (80%), followed by health care (78%). While the voters surveyed almost unanimously reported they view issues affecting families through a religious lens, this concern fell behind other issues, including health care and climate change, when it came to deciding which candidates they will support.
The study also found undecided and uncommitted Catholic voters who attend Mass more frequently stand out from others surveyed as the findings suggest it is the more fervent Catholics who wait to decide for whom to vote until closer to the election; they report stronger religious influence on their views on the issues they are weighing the most, especially if it involves family and children’s issues; they lean more Republican; and they name immigration and race as important issues for them. Nearly two-thirds (60%) of frequent church attendees also view the environment as a highly religious issue.
The study, completed by Untold Research, conducted two online focus groups in August 2026, as well as an online survey of more than 500 U.S. Catholic voters from September 23 to October 7, 2026. Its findings are not representative of uncommitted, undecided Catholic voters as a whole. Rather, it offers a snapshot of the participants in the study, who were 93% white, 71% male, and roughly half from Michigan.
The entire report can be found online.
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About NETWORK: Founded by Catholic Sisters in 1971, NETWORK is an inclusive, national advocacy organization open to all who share our values. With our network of justice-seekers across the country, we advocate for federal policies that serve the common good, honor the dignity of all and help all our communities thrive.